DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: Histologically confirmed advanced or metastatic soft tissue sarcoma Unresectable disease Previously treated with at least 1 prior non-adjuvant chemotherapy regimen for advanced or metastatic disease Adjuvant chemotherapy considered first-line treatment for advanced disease if the first relapse is less than 6 months after completion of therapy At least 1 bidimensionally measurable non-irradiated lesion At least 20 mm in at least 1 diameter by CT scan At least 20 by 20 mm for clinically measurable lesion No gastrointestinal stromal sarcoma No HIV-related Kaposi's sarcoma No malignant mesothelioma No chondrosarcomas No symptomatic brain or leptomeningeal involvement